Libyana Mobile Phone, one of Libya’s two mobile operators, has deactivated all foreign subscribers’ cell phones; a step intends to maintain national security according to sources.
Libyana said all foreigners who wish to reactivate their SIM cards must bring a valid visa and a photocopy of their passports.
On Wednesday, hundreds of foreigners queued outside Libyana Business Centers in Tripoli in order to bring their mobiles into operation again.
Security sources said criminals, harassers and radical groups had used Libyana numbers registered with foreigners’ IDs, mostly African nationals who use Libya as a transit to Europe, to commit wrongdoings. This has obliged the company to reconsider foreign users’ records.
The country’s black market is awash with Libyana and Al-Madar mobile numbers registered with non-Libyans IDs and it is very easy to get one at a cheap price.
Al-Madar, the second mobile operator here, is yet to take a similar action.
